Self-control, perseverance, integrity, indomitable spirit--that's what it's supposed to be all about at the Concord Tae Kwon Do Studio, where boys are turned into black-belts and suburbanites are chiseled into great warriors, all… MoreSelf-control, perseverance, integrity, indomitable spirit--that's what it's supposed to be all about at the Concord Tae Kwon Do Studio, where boys are turned into black-belts and suburbanites are chiseled into great warriors, all under the watchful tutelage of proud sensei Fred Simmons. That is, until Fred discovers his wife has been unfaithful and instantly descends into a blubbering mess. OK, so maybe Fred is far more blowhard than kick-ass hero. But, when he sets out on a last-ditch quest to meet his kung-fu idol--the eight-time undefeated champ and star of the "Seven Rings of Pain" trilogy, Chuck "The Truck" Wallace--Fred winds up on a wild, comic journey that will take him from egomaniacal bluster all to the way to becoming the stand-up man of his delusional dreams.

Some bits fall flat well before they're driven into the ground, such as when Simmons tries to seduce a new female student. Others are painfully telegraphed so that when the payoff arrives, you've anticipated the blow and have become inured to it.

The filmmaking brings out a lot of nuances, about our fantasies about personal victory and the fantasizing in American fight movies. Some of the humor might not… MoreThe filmmaking brings out a lot of nuances, about our fantasies about personal victory and the fantasizing in American fight movies. Some of the humor might not be as upfront as in most of the higher-budget vehicles.
Collette Wolfe's disappearance from the story is beguiling. She's attractive and sympathetic and open-minded, and you realize that one thing movies tend to do for an audience is to keep charming people like this around to light the place up, when in real life the hijinks would feel as homey as your best friend's 10-day manic episode.

Lewis C.

I'm a big fan of Danny McBride. I could just sit and watch him making stuff up and being ridiculous, which is good...because that's basically what The… MoreI'm a big fan of Danny McBride. I could just sit and watch him making stuff up and being ridiculous, which is good...because that's basically what The Foot Fist Way is about.
The film low-budget and shot like a mockumentary, which makes the whole thing seem more real and even more absurd. Yeah, there's a basic plot in here, but the movie's really about watching Danny say ridiculous things and wear ridiculous clothes. If you like Eastbound & Down, or Danny's roles in movies like Tropic Thunder, The Foot Fist way may be worth your time. Just don't expect a whole lot from it.

Edward Boxler

Like Napoleon Dynamite, this is another MTV produced indie comedy that just falls flat. The film is all one joke and the joke is only mildly funny the first… MoreLike Napoleon Dynamite, this is another MTV produced indie comedy that just falls flat. The film is all one joke and the joke is only mildly funny the first time you here it.
Danny McBride plays a karate instructor who takes out the failings of his private life out on his students. He's dry and blunt. Sometimes, you want to sympathize with him, because he cares for his wife, who is constantly cheasting on him. But other times, you feel like he deserves it, especially after he sexually harrasses one of his students and allows a kid to snort cocaine. I don't get the appeal of a movie like this.
The extra star is because I like Danny McBride. As much as I hated his character, I liked him.

Tim Sigur

This movie is fucking stupid! I know, I know, two of my heroes think it is hilarious, which makes it even more disappointing. I like independent movies and I… MoreThis movie is fucking stupid! I know, I know, two of my heroes think it is hilarious, which makes it even more disappointing. I like independent movies and I appreciate the fact that they will have some shitty acting here and there....but COME ON..where the fuck have the standards gone? Danny McBride is funny, but I don't want to have to use this as an excuse so I can watch all of his fucking cousins be in a movie. When your two big jokes are the fact that your wife is a whore and you beating up on little kids and both fall flat you are in serious trouble. Me and my wife kept wondering if this was a fucking student film (and I have seen much better student films). And everyone is surprised when a movie about talking dogs is the number one movie in America.

Robert C

An ammusing film in a pathetic/painful sort of way.
And impressive when you take into consideration that it was made for about $79,000 dollars.
Though… MoreAn ammusing film in a pathetic/painful sort of way.
And impressive when you take into consideration that it was made for about $79,000 dollars.
Though it's never quite as funny or clever as it THINKS it is.

Ken Stachnik

Not quite as funny as I was led to believe, but definitely worth seeing.

Aaron Neuwirth

Fred Simmons: Derek, have you got your cup on? Because I will hit you there.
This is certainly the type of comedy that will split audiences down the middle. I… MoreFred Simmons: Derek, have you got your cup on? Because I will hit you there.
This is certainly the type of comedy that will split audiences down the middle. I really hated Napoleon Dynamite, but this movie, which is basically a much vulgar version, made me laugh and appreciate the art of punching through wooden boards and concrete.
Danny McBride, who has been slowly building up an assortment of characters in the various big comedy films in the past couple years, stars as Fred Simmons, a head instructor at a small Tae Kwon Do Studio (some trivia - The title is a literal English translation of Tae Kwon Do).
There is no real plot as much as a series of situations revolving around the ways of Fred Simmons, whether it involves his adulterous wife, his teachings, or his attempts to land a big Tae Kwon Do celebrity at one of his classes.
Fred Simmons: Meditation is terrific and all, but I've never heard of it saving anyone from a gang rape type situation.
The humor stems mainly from Fred's attitude towards Tae Kwon Do and the way he lives his life around it. He gets frustrated like a man would, but applies that to his spirit in the foot fist way.
The movie also features a number of quirky elements, including some of Fred's supporting players, the structure of the film, and the soundtrack.
What further helps this movie is how well made it is. This is no doubt very low budget stuff, but its done well. The camera incorporates some clever editing and slo-mo stuff to actually make the Tae Kwon Do seem exciting in its own way.
The key ingredient is once again McBride. If you look past some of the more ridiculous elements, you can really see some good acting here. He is fully in this role, not putting any winks at the camera and it certainly helps the movie. It is also important to note that he is not simply a bumbling guy attempting to do Tae Kwon Do, but is portrayed in the film as a legitimate fighter who just also has a quirky personality.
Certainly a film that works for the right audience.
Fred Simmons: Let me think about that for a second. Ok, I've thought about it and I think my answer to that question would have to be "fuck you". I don't care if you wake up in a ditch with grown men shitting on you and jumping on top of your head. Maybe your nose will turn into a big ole dick and you can stroke that all the time. I hope your hair turns into dog shit one day. You wake up and you run your comb through it and all that it is, is little trundles of dog shit. The worst shit that you could imagine. AIDS... it's cool. Everything comes around sweetheart.

Steve K

Amusing throughout, with a few honest belly laughs, but also very slight. While Napoleon Dynamite was quirky across the board, this film has one character… MoreAmusing throughout, with a few honest belly laughs, but also very slight. While Napoleon Dynamite was quirky across the board, this film has one character shoulder all that burden, and he's not all that likable (if at all).
An amusing time waster if there's nothing else available.

Lenny Muggsy

Low budget comedy with a good intro performance by McBride, extremely one-dimensional but original delivery. Lot of filler and obviously a lot of first time… MoreLow budget comedy with a good intro performance by McBride, extremely one-dimensional but original delivery. Lot of filler and obviously a lot of first time actors, but it wasn't bad for a movie with a $79,000 budget.

Luke Baldock

Jody Hill offers up this independent comedy that follows a man trying to run a Tae Kwon Do school while dealing with his cheating wife. McBride often comes off… MoreJody Hill offers up this independent comedy that follows a man trying to run a Tae Kwon Do school while dealing with his cheating wife. McBride often comes off as the American Ricky Gervais (as David Brent), creating awkward moments and relying on his arrogance and ignorance in equal measure. There are some funny moments, mainly involving people getting hit, but the film fails to keep the laughs going or offer an interesting story between these chuckles. McBride should stick to being the show stealing sidekick as his general mannerisms just don't translate to big star power.

James Alvarez

Entertaining and funny.

Apeneck Fletcher

didja ever know a total jerk whose main claim to jerkdom (is that a place? don't answer!) is his absolute total faith in that he's (or she) is really… Moredidja ever know a total jerk whose main claim to jerkdom (is that a place? don't answer!) is his absolute total faith in that he's (or she) is really the coolest of the cool? this film introduces us to one such character and we follow him as he disbelievingly faces what we all know that he must face sooner or later: that he just ain't as cool as he thinks. in fact...he may be just a...
but the film engages as it takes a wee step back and we uncomfortably discover that this knucklehead is all too like the rest of us. oh yeah, didn't expect that, didja? oh yeah, the jerk is everyman, get it? not cool. just a schmuck trying to make head or tails of a world (and the people in it) he cannot quite understand. this wee tweak in what first appears to be a joke film about a joke human being...makes this a special one to look for. no explosions, no kung fu, no shiny hardware or aliens, simply a humble look at how merely facing our damnable weaknesses somehow makes us stronger. makes us human.